My Annie was attacked by neighbors dog!

[Tante & Jordan & now Annie!]

My neighbors 15p poodle mix came running into my yard and attacked Annie last night. Annie was leashed and pooping at the time. I've asked this neighbor before to keep the dog out of my yard. I made a report to Animal Control and the Officer is going to ticket them $532 for a dog at large fine plus, an unregistered dog fine. Annie was not hurt but this dog was biting Annie's neck and face and legs. I only reported it because they would of done the same. I have asked many times before to please leash the dog. Also, this protects us. If I don't show up to Court the $532 gets dropped..... We have had problems with this neighbor for 13 years and he's the issue causing neighbor in our "hood". So, do I show up to Court or let it drop? That is the question....oh the dogs name is Cujo and no he did not come to check on Annie or say sorry. He only said " you deserve it" to his dog.....

Tante

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

OMD I'm so sorry...this neighbor sounds like a total nightmare.  I would not hesitate for one minute to correct this dog in some way, at least verbally.  He is on your property and he's only 15 pounds, so not much of a danger to you.  I think I would try a hose or at least squirting him with a water bottle....something to make him not want to come "visit" in the future. If you take control and "back him off by physically walking right into him" do you think he would get the message, or is he just aggressive by nature?  I would also definitely follow through with court.  I'm surprised that Annie was allowing him to bite her....I know neither of my guys would not put up with that.  Good luck.

[Cheryl and Finnegan]

I say, go to court and it would be good if others can go with you. It will not only show the court that there is a problem, but maybe this gentleman will realize others are fed up with him too. Stuff happens, but the fact that he didn't check on Annie or apologize -and that he doesn't seem to "get" that there's something wrong with his dog running loose, makes me think there's something wrong with him.  If it was me, I'd want to protect my dog and if I couldn't reach a reasonable agreement with the neighbor, I'd go to court.  So sorry you're going through this. Good luck.

[Lisa, Daisy & Dexter]

First, how horrible for Annie that she was attacked, it's a good thing the poodle was just a mini...mean mini but at least he couldn't overtake her.

Neighborhood feuds do NOT ever get better. We have an ongoing one in our neighborhood for about 8 years, back and forth lawsuits, complaints, police calls, restraining orders...it never gets better. If you already are having issues maybe hitting him in the wallet will help. You know the guy better than anyone, will either choice change things, probably not but it's fair to get some sort of judgement against him and have a record.

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

I'm very sorry this has happened.  Neighbor problems, I think, are so very serious and LIFELONG.   This is a catch 22 situation. It is damned if you do and damned if you don't.  Court wont change his attitude. It most certainly will make this brittle situation, worse  :(

I wish you could put up a privacy fence and just forget this all together.

[Adrienne]

Very sorry that this happened to you and Annie.  I say, go to Court.  We had a similar situation when I lived in NJ.  Our neighbors had 3 Jack Russell Terriers that damaged neighbors property, bit a child, etc.  The dogs would repeatedly come into my yard and attack our Weimaraner who was much bigger but not aggressive at all.  We put up with this for approx. 3 years and finally filed a complaint after they stopped answering the phone when we wanted to discuss yet another attack. All of our neighbors came to us and stated how happy they were that someone finally stood up to them but no one was willing to say it in front of those neighbors.  So, don't be surprised if your neighbors do not want to get involved.  I understood their position but I also knew that I had to protect my family and our dog.

After we reported them, we had no additional attacks.  There were some hard feelings for awhile and a heated phone conversation but eventually the husband apologized to my husband--this occurred after those same three dogs killed their family cat--and admitted that they were wrong.  

It would be different if the neighbor appeared to have some remorse and did not repeatedly allow his pet to violate others. Go to court and protect yourself and Annie.  

[Lynette Main]

I would show up,this neighbor needs a bigger fine.Sounds like he doesn't deserve to have a dog.If you do go it will also be on record just in case he attacks someone else and there is a bad outcome...

[Marnie, Stanlee's Mom]

Oh how horrible for all of you.  We send doodle hugs to Annie (Please make sure she gets them, at LEAST two, more if possible.)

I have to agree with the majority here and say that even though it's gonna stink going to court, it needs to be done.  Your neighbor needs to learn that he is not exempt from the rules just because he's lazy or doesn't like them.  If you don't have a relationship by now, I'm guessing you really don't care if he likes you or not.  Annie needs this guy to understand her mom means business and isn't going to stand for his irresponsible actions any more. 

 

Good Luck, we would all be there with you if we could!

[Traci -Bexter & Maggie]

Please show up.  Honestly, I agree with what others said.  If you don't show up, he won't take it seriously and I'm afraid it will happen again.  Since you have been having this problem for some time, and it is still happening, I would figure it would likely happen again.  I also agree that if you don't show up, and if something does happen, the authorities will not take you seriously.  They will think that they have already done their part and then wasted their time, so they will not be as supportive of you.  You certainly don't want that.  I'm so sorry this happened to your precious doodle and you, but please show up!